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Thursday, October 12, 2017

Leading light-duty truck manufacturer, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) displays their latest public utility vehicle (PUV) prototypes at the 1st Philippine Auto Parts Expo.
From today to October 13, 2017, IPC puts to display three of its bid for the on-going PUV modernization program in a show jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine Parts Makers Association, Inc. (PPMA).

First on its line-up is its Class II type jeepney substitute mounted on the existing Isuzu NHR55 platform, with a customized body co-designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corporation. Running NHR’s current 4JB1-TC engine, this prototype can deliver maximum power of 91 PS and maximum torque of 196 N-m.

The Isuzu-Almazora Class II prototype body maintains the current side-facing seating and standing orientation, which can carry up to 30-passengers and is fully air-conditioned.

Also under the Class II jeepney category, is Isuzu’s collaboration with Centro Manufacturing Corporation (Centro). The Isuzu-Centro Class II prototype however, carries the yet to be launched Isuzu QKR77 which runs a 4JH1-TC engine that is already EURO IV compliant, supporting the government’s move to lessen exhaust emission. Likewise, the design maintains a side-facing and standing type cabin, which can carry up to 30-passengers and has a Gross Vehicle Weight of 4,490 kgs ideal for mass transport.

With an over-all length of 6.3 meters and over-all width of 1.7 meters the Isuzu-Centro Class II prototype is designed to provide wider seating space and ample passenger leg room even during rush hour. Designed as a non-aircon type modern jeepney, Isuzu and Centro gave it a panoramic type side windows to ensure better airflow inside the cabin adding to the passenger’s comfort.

Lastly, Isuzu displays its bid for the Class III category with a Centro designed body ideal for longer routes within or outside the metro. Built on the same Isuzu QKR77 platform, the Class III prototype offers 23-seating capacity, which are all front facing for a more comfortable ride during longer trips. Although the display is a non-aircon, this body type is ready to be fitted with an air-conditioning system, which if installed will give its passengers utmost riding experience.

“These prototypes are a result of our thorough design development with the two leading body manufacturers in the country – Centro and Almazora. Our prototypes conform with the initial standards released by the DTI and we are happy with the outcome; but still we need to conduct series of tests to ensure passenger comfort,” said IPC President Hajime Koso.

“As it is, it shows that our company is ready for the shift towards the modernization of the country’s public transport system. We hope that with the help of the different government agencies involved in the project we will be able to provide a more comfortable, safer and environment friendly transport alternative,” Koso added.

The jeepneys on the road today are set to be phased out since they do not comply with Euro4 emissions standards. It will go a long way in reducing our carbon footprint and improving air quality in the Metro areas. Cardiorespiratory diseases are already aggravated as it is.

At the end of the day, the long term solution to traffic is an effective and efficient mass transit system using rail networks. It is a good thing that the Duterte admin is on it, with the Japanese on board. Last I heard, Hitachi was at Makati Shangri La to solidify their bid to build the country's first subway line.